In case you missed it (#ICYMI), yesterday was National Day of Concern, a day dedicated to honoring young people's roles in reducing gun violence.
It seems that gun violence or the threat thereof is all too real especially in our schools. We have seen it with Columbine, Newtown and Marjory Stoneman Douglas. We no longer say “oh, this won’t happen to us;” we know it can happen at any given moment.
The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence began in 1996, supported by a unanimous U.S. Senate Resolution and a Presidential Proclamation, both calling for a Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence and national distribution of the Student Pledge.
While many schools nationwide held school assemblies, had guest speakers, and engaged in related classroom activities yesterday, the cornerstone of the initiative is the signing of a pledge whereby students promise to never carry a gun to school, to never use one to settle personal disputes, and to encourage others to do the same.
Gun violence isn't a child-friendly topic, but open communication between students, school staff, and parents is critical. Encourage your child to a stand against gun violence by making the pledge, and in November, show your stance by electing candidates who will prioritize common sense gun safety measures.
My 5th Zachary Blake Legal Thriller, Betrayal High, takes a look at how our criminal and civil justice systems might handle these issues. Watch for the release of this compelling novel sometime next year.